I see repeated references to a device called a "lie-o-meter". Puzzled by that. I checked my '05 V-10's Build Sheet; apparently, that device was not ordered, and thus was not installed on my vehicle. I DO have a factory-installed fuel flow guage, which has a read-out on the upper header. Oh yes, sadly, mine has 3.73 gears (couldnt find one with lower axle ratio in the condition I wanted ("cream puff-new") when I was looking for a nice used Excursion). So the over-drive gets locked out when I am towing.

I do have a suspicion. Is it possible there is no such thing as a "lie-o-meter" ? Is it possible that ALL "deluxe" Excursion V-10's have the same fuel-flow guage that I have, but that SOME of the owners havn't a CLUE how the thing works ?

I do not like to go over 65 mph in a heavy, clumsy vehicle with 1930's truck suspension, and inadequate brakes, CERTAINLY not over 60 when towing heavy loads with such a vehicle (even tho my boat trailer does have VERY effective "surge" brakes.

Yes, I have seen indicated fuel mileage on my fuel flow guage as low as 3 mpg, and as high as 35 mpg, sometimes, within a few minutes of each reading.

See - here's the deal, boys and girls, depending on throttle setting, (TRANSLATION - HOW MUCH GAS IS GOING PAST THE SENSOR ....) you GET DIFFERENT READINGS ! Isnt that amazing ?

My own experience with my V-10 4wd is as follows: When LIGHTLY loaded and NOT towing, in CALM winds (air speed is a MAJOR factor in fuel burn, once you get above 50 mph) on LEVEL ground with NO variations in road speed, I have seen CLOSE to 16 mpg. When filling the tank and "doing the math" that figure confirms what is indicated on the fuel-flow guage AFTER 'AVERAGING".

When towing our motor yacht (combined weight of the three axle trailer and boat is around 11,000 lbs) I see typically around 7.5 to 8 mpg. When filling the tank and "doing the math" that figure confirms what is indicated on the fuel-flow guage AFTER 'AVERAGING".

SEVERAL recent multiple-vehicle tragedies over the weekend ( in one case THIRTY vehicles were following too close at speed, and piled into each other, destroying the vehicles and killing a bunch of people) suggest the following:

You can save a LOT of gasoline (or diesel fuel) if you keep your speed around 60 mph or less when towing, AND DONT FOLLOW ANY CLOSER THAN YOU CAN STOP IN AN EMERGENCY. Please do NOT try and determine for yourself if I know what I am talking about, by trying a "panic stop" at 75 mph. ESPECIALLY if you are towing something. Try that, and you stand a good chance of WEARING what you were towing. (besides, think of the salvage crews...they are people too...really makes a mess when you try and scrape someone's guts off a dash-board).

 

Or if your poor like me you can do the DIY job from one of the previous threads. You use a cutting tool or dremel or something and cut the end of the origanal box. I will one day get the pipe but can't afford it right now. But is a cheap way to upgrade and looks half way decent.

 

After some intensive research, I think I found the reason you're not getting the mpgs that everyone else is getting...

 

Hi Guys

Here is a fuel saving upgrade that you might consider.

First of buy a load off these little fellas and glue them pointed side up to the gas peddle.



Now remove your right shoe and go for a drive, you will be amazed at how much gas you save

Regards

Dereck

 

Then ull never be able to floor it dereck. So whats the point?? hahaha

 

Yes I have the a/c on, which by the way is cold as heck, with the recycle position on, it will freeze us.
I had 8 people onboard for one trip, ran 65-70 for two plus hours and got what I thought was great mileage for this big rig. My friend has a 4.6 V8 and my v10 is more efficient anyday.

When I tow my Airstream 31 footer, I never go over 60mph. Just doesn't feel safe to me. Mileage of 12 is average for me towing.
I had a close call with a line of stalled tractor trailers around a blind curve on I-95 last June. The rig handled quite well getting me around that almost serious mess. I did have to slow down and catch my breath, but doing 60 and not having a lot of room to stop quick will make your heart beat really fast.
I have heard the fuel meter called a lie-o-meter for a long time, but I have found it to be pretty accurate when I check the miles versus consumption.

Anyway I really like the Exc. never thought I would own one, and now glad I do.

 

Dereck, That thumb tack post is hilarious! What kind of reaction does an Excursion receive in England?

 

Thanks for the info. I wish i got mileage like that... Mine is usually a lot lower. Do you know if you have the 4.30's or the 3.73's? I have a feeling that might make a difference, although I'm gonna feel pretty bad if you have the 4.30's also and still get that much better mileage than me ;-)

Maybe the fact that I'm 18 and drive like it sometimes has something to do with it also

Isaac

 

issac, u need to quit driving it like u stole it

 

lol i don't drive it like I stole it, I drive it more like its an extended lease. Actually I have some safe driver discount or whatever on insurance, so if i get any ticket/accident thats my fault, I lose it AND my premium goes up, so I have a pretty big incentive not to drive too crazy...

So far no accidents or tickets and I tow a lot and stuff, so I guess im not THAT bad lol

 

Issac, Kudos to you for driving safely. This comes from an insurance guy who has seen a lot of wrecked vehicles. You and your family have the smarts to put you in a safe large vehicle. If you do get tangled with somebody, you will likely win.

 

Thank you very much. Although I do joke about it, I really do pride myself in being a safe driver (for my age/experience level).

About the car thing, I agree. The funny thing is that my sister (18mo younger than I) just started driving and she got a Toyota Prius. But I guess in the grand scheme of things, they are probably pretty equally safe, all things considered. The excursion is A LOT more massive, but the Prius has many more airbags and occupant protection things. Besides, I think my little sis driving a rig as big as mine would probably get her into a lot more accidents than its size would compensate for

Isaac

 

Lol, if thumbtacks are ever in short supply, just tape a raw egg to the gas pedal. Nothing like the threat of cracking an egg all over your carpet to make you want to be gentle on the gas

Isaac

 

Hi 1984f1

It turns a few heads and provokes bowel movements in little old ladies driving Ford KAs

Regard

Dereck

 

I will never moan at the gas station here in the U.S. again when I think of what it costs you for a fill up over there Dereck. I bet you have fun driving through small village streets. OVAL POWER!